Over 3,500 Ghanaian students from 22 unaccredited tertiary institutions face a crisis as their qualifications are deemed invalid, jeopardizing their national service eligibility and job prospects. The Private Universities Students’ Association of Ghana (PUSAG) revealed this alarming figure, praising the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for its crackdown on rogue institutions.
PUSAG National President Ibrahim Issah urged students and parents to verify accreditation status via GTEC’s website or PUSAG’s helpdesk. “Education is a national asset that must be protected,” he said, calling for public support in combating academic fraud, as reported by JoyNews. The ongoing issue, linked to “ghost names” in the National Service Authority, highlights systemic challenges in Ghana’s education sector.
Students at unaccredited institutions face severe consequences: ineligibility for mandatory national service, disqualification from the Students Loan Trust Fund, and rejection of their degrees by employers and postgraduate programs. This leaves many with debt and worthless credentials, stalling their academic and career aspirations.
PUSAG is taking action with a nationwide accreditation verification drive, creating a resource to cross-check GTEC data. They’re also launching public awareness campaigns with GTEC to educate families on avoiding scams. Additionally, PUSAG advocates for stricter enforcement under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, to shut down fraudulent institutions.
The unaccredited institutions crisis demands urgent action to protect Ghanaian students. Stay informed on PUSAG and GTEC’s efforts to ensure quality education and secure futures!
source: myjoyonline
